Winona 'left store for a smoke'

Thursday 10 January 2002 00:00 BST

Winona Ryder may cite her chain-smoking in defence against shoplifting charges.

The film star, 30, was arrested last month in the Saks Fifth Avenue clothes store. She is accused of stealing goods worth nearly £3,500 and possessing unauthorised prescription drugs. She has denied the charges.

Hollywood gossip writer Ted Casablanca says a friend of the actress claims Miss Ryder "had some things she was considering buying, when she went out of the store for a smoke. She was going to pay for them."